After nearly 100 years in operation, Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC has mastered building significant relationships that truly make a difference.
“Our message back to the community is simple and heartfelt,” says Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer Ginger Salt. “The Good We Do is Because of You!”
With 51 locations in 31 counties across northwest North Carolina, the non-profit transitions 87 percent of its revenue to mission and sustainability, with donations to retail stores funding a variety of programs. Goodwill services are individually designed to meet the placement needs of both first time workers and those reentering the workplace, especially for those who may face employment obstacles. That includes veterans, those who have been downsized, dislocated or have disabilities.
Goodwill’s Mission Advancement team works diligently to stay connected within the community, always aligned with local employers looking to hire. Their Business Advisory Councils are one way those connections are made, and Winston-Salem resident Luba Havraniak is a shining example of how those cultivated relationships lead to happy endings!
When Luba discovered the Goodwill Career Center on Peters Creek Parkway, she had been laid off from her job as an HR professional at a local medical facility. Dedicated to finding a new position, she visited the center daily, applied for jobs and checked her email for responses. She recalls that even when she felt discouraged, the Career Center team cheered her on.
“The Goodwill team was truly supportive in helping me find a new role,” Luba shares. “Their resources are helpful for anyone seeking a new job, and we need to get the word out that this is a free community resource. I’ve told people about my experience, and many are unaware of its presence in our community! There are computers, printers, faxes, counselors and free advice.”
Luba says the team was instrumental in moving her in the right direction to find a new job. Her best advice – don’t give up, there is something out there for everyone!
In Luba’s case, Kaisha McDermott-Carter, the director of Goodwill’s career programs in Forsyth County, attended a meeting of the Business Advisory Councils and connected with a representative of Gastroenterology Associates of the Piedmont (GAP). When Kaisha learned that GAP needed HR employees, she immediately thought of Luba’s background in healthcare Human Resources and sent over her resumé. Within a week, she had an interview and was hired soon after.
Another impactful initiative to achieve goals in education, employment and life skills, Goodwill offers a wide array of youth services for ages 13 to 24, focused on reaching both academic and vocational potential.
The NextGen Youth Program provides structure and a sense of accomplishment with a program comprising two main components – education and employment. While completion of a secondary education program is the primary goal, the staff also provides post secondary education counseling and career guidance.
Participant Avionna Hamlet joined the NextGen program in January 2023, arriving with enthusiasm and a goal to successfully complete the Nursing Assistant I program at Forsyth Technical Community College. She did just that, receiving her Certification of Completion from Forsyth Tech in June of that year. She then passed the NC State Nurse Aide I exam and was motivated to receive a Nursing Assistant I as soon as possible. She began her new Nursing Assistant I position at the wonderful Arbor Acres in July 2023. But, Avionna isn’t stopping there! She’s happily completing her final class for the Dental Assistant Program and will then complete the Dental Assisting National Board Exam in August 2024. From there, Avionna will begin the Dental Hygienist two-year program beginning in the Fall of 2025, proving where education and determination can lead!
OneLife, another Goodwill-funded program, works with the school system – targeting students who are at risk for behaviors that could negatively affect their high school graduation and transition into adulthood. Youth Connections serves the needs of out-of-school youth, while Youth Services focuses on kids coming out of foster care or those who need help getting started in the workforce. From assistance in obtaining a high school diploma or GED to job readiness training, Goodwill programs offer youth a path to self-discovery, often in partnership with other community organizations.
“We’re proud of both Luba’s hard work and dedication, and Avionna’s perseverance to reach for her goals,” Ginger adds.
Both stories are tributes to the power of respect, community and teamwork that Goodwill inspires every day!
To learn more about the powerful programs of Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, visit goodwillnwnc.org, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @goodwillnwnc. Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC is located in Winston-Salem at 2701 University Parkway, 336.724.3621.
